Yes.
Now that we got that over with, yes, it’s the end of the Shares. It’s probably not the end of Ishmael Wang. I’ve had a couple of emails about not ending the series and I want to assure you that this series *must* end. It’s the last of the share levels. I can’t write another Share book.
What I can do is start another series. I can fill in the places where there are gaps. I have a whole universe of other stories to tell, some of which will have Ishmael Wang in them, I’m pretty sure.
I’d like to ask you to wait until you see what the ending of this series actually is before getting too upset.
After it’s over, you’ll have plenty of time to be peeved with me. :)
Now, fresh comment thread available. 26 should be up in the morning. Some of you will be cheering when it’s over.
If Dr. Lowell reallllly wanted to be a jerk, 29 could just have the promised “Yep, this is the end.” statement in it and nothing else. I could see the aftermath of the Article 37 situation being a logical place to drop the story. On the other hand, I tend to think what’s actually going to happen will probably involve some real BS (heh) and, therefore, I may be one of the people that he was addressing regarding being happy about the post-Article 37 events.
For the first time in months, the audio books are silent in this house.
umm you said episode 29+didnt you mean episode 28?dont think 29 is out yet :P
The writer always have a reason…might not be what WE want it to be but in the end its their story to tell.As i always keep telling you i need and want to buy all the books now lol
love how the comment count doubled after article 37 XD
@Donovan I think that’s because of the rumor going around that Dr. Lowell is waiting for a certain thousand mentions of “Article 37” when he searches the various media types before he’ll post up #29.
:P
so it looks like that angy mob has not reached Nate’s place yet. Nate how close are they, can you see them yet?
… and from back in previous episodes. I’m still trying to figure out what it means that the Chief is the grandfather of (I forget her name).
Episode 28… I don’t think I need to use ‘Article 37’ as I genuinely dont know what to say :(
@Chris
Article 37, Google it.
Convention on the rights of a child.
@Michael Harris…I too was wondering about the ‘gramps’ and thought it might not be biological but just a nickname…but I suspect we’ll find out… or did I miss something and we ‘know’ it’s her grandfather?
@dick & @Michael Harris, Dr. Lowell has stated on the Durandus message board that “gramps” was a nickname and he’s not actually meant to be seen as her grandfather.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what an article 37. that sucks, but the story somehow seemed to get better must be the climax now im ready for the closer… NOW NOW NOW NOW PLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dont make me throw a tantrum my children taught me well. LOL…
@ James
I know it’s a little OT, but Snape doesn’t really kill Dumbledore. I didn’t understand this properly the first time I read that book, but Potter overhears half a conversation between Dumbledore & Snape earlier in the book. The other half of the conversation that Potter misses is that Dumbledore is telling Snape that when the time comes, Snape must step in and kill Dumbledore first in order to save the Malfoy brat from becoming a murderer.
I’m a little ashamed to admit that I didn’t figure this out until I saw the movie.
as for the Article 37 of Article 37, I’m not really that upset about it. It’s been such a long time since I listened to the other books that I have kind of forgotten who Article 37 is. On the other hand, I’m very happy that the female article 37 has proven to be a better article 37 than the male article 37. I think that’s something that most of listeners are overlooking because they are too upset about article 37.
actually it’s article 37 – it’s on the Handbook
** {Article 37} **
I can’t remember the last time a plot twist affected me so much. I couldn’t sleep all night so I actually called in sick from work today so I could try to sleep, which is very rare for me! {Article 37} is very emotional for me, WAY more that I ever expected! ( I still haven’t told my wife why yet, as I think I am embarrassed that a book can affect me this strongly). Glad to see I am not the only one.
BTW, after the donating on PodioBooks to Nathan, buying the limited edition hardback, donating a large (for me) sum to the new PodioBooks server fund, I have now spend many times as much on this “free” series than any other book series I have ever purchased. That is before all books I am planning on buying in the future and the donation I will give for Owner’s share if I ever recover from {Article 37} . And I don’t regret it for a moment!
What a fascinating metaphor for religon. Mankind implores the creator to make his universe “better”.
Mr. Lowell you have created an engrossing series. Thank you.
@Uzetaab
“..It’s been such a long time since I listened to the other books that I have kind of forgotten who Article 37 is”
That’s why before listening to any new Nathan Lowell book I aways go back and listen from the beginning of Quarter Share again! That’s probably why I am so emotional with {Article 37}. I think I am having a little trouble emotionally separating these characters from my real life. I may need counseling ;) and it is all Nathan’s fault!
Dr. Lowell. Well done sar on the Article 37. Though it saddened me, I see the necessity of it from the viewpoint of the author. I don’t know which is sadder, the change in Ish’s life when he goes off to Port Newmar and we lose all the characters we have grown to love or when Article 37 happens.
Well done, Captain my Captain.
Per the Spacer’s Handbook, Article 37 = “Certain circumstances require the Captain of a vessel to exert extraordinary control on the flow of information from the ship. Special cargoes, important passengers, or other sensitive information can be temporarily suppressed for the safety and welfare of the ship and crew. When questioned about these situations, all crew will be instructed to politely invoke Article 37 and refer all inquiry to the Captain or other designated source for official information.”
Assume that article 37 isn’t gratuitous and that there is more going on then is obvious but that there are hints we could have picked up along the way that foreshadow the entire course of the story — I still think that a hypothesis I developed at the beginning may bear fruit and this approach to the story is part of what keeps me involved and interested.
It’s your story to tell your way, Nate. I should’ve waited until the end came out to say anything. I probably shouldn’t have said what I did. Since I became a writer, I decided if I didn’t have something positive to say about another author’s book, I wouldn’t say anything. Article 37 hit me so hard I forgot.
I have to keep backspacing because I want to express how badly this turn of events has made me feel. That’s a testament to your skill. You’ve got a lot of fans out there and I’m sure most of them will manage things just fine. I wish I was sure I was one of them.
About ‘gramps’ – If gramps is just a nickname then there maybe a consistency burp. Not sure if it was during the inspection he did or when he first came on the ship they were talking about the scrubbers and how Ms. Kingsley helped out. He made a comment something like ‘my girl got herselft dirty? Good for her!’ making it at least sound like they were related. I think he did the same thing on the way out after the inspect – telling Ish to ‘ask for HER gramps’ instead of ‘ask for gamps’.
@Howard (WARNING: SPOILER BEARING THREAD) http://durandus.org/fans/index.php?topic=192.msg2471#msg2471 (/WARNING) <– from the horse's mouth.
Nathan, oh mighty master of the universe…..please can we get the last two chapters tonight? PLEASE? Yes I’m begging… I told my Dr. today about your awesome books and he promised he’d start listening tonight. He did mention he was looking for a good book to listen to while on vacation….I’m sure you’ll have another faithful fan! I love what others have said, “Damn you’re good”….GREAT in my ever so humble opinion……
I think the biggest problem I’m having with the Section 37 in episode 28 is that real life for a lot of people sucks as it is, and when we read books many times we’re looking for something that has a better ending than what reality typically allows.
At this point I can’t say that I felt like I did when someone dropped a moon on Chewbacca though. It seemed so senseless, and anti-climactic. Nate, I know it’s your characters, and your story, and you tell it the way you feel it needs to be told… But please at least make sure we understand the why by the end of this tale so we can feel that we have some sort of closure about the characters, their triumphs, their endurances, and the general ignobility of real life setting in.
Does anyone find it strange that Gramps was Ms Mallone’s bodyguard instead of her father’s stepping up and assuming that position? Also, why is it we’ve never seen him again when he seemed to have a healthy dose of respect for Ishmael and would also be concerned about Ms Mallone’s wellbeing.
Could Ms. Malone be the mastermind? She wasn’t injured. She kept the Chief around. Didn’t she even recommend Red? Could the Chief have been acting under her orders the entire time? Could she be a media addict?
@Rocket:
“So, my reaction to [Article 37] is that it took me right out of “believing†in the characters, and into thinking about how it’s all just a bunch of words, and the techniques by which the storyteller manipulates the audience.”
My thoughts exactly. After a while of (not) sleeping I finally came to that conclusion. It’s also why OS dropped from my #2 favorite to my #4 favorite. {Article 37} was unnecessary. The next time I listen to OS I’ll certainly stop at ep 27.
I am back again.
Now I know what obsession is….
Damn Article 37
I’m flattered and honored that you’re so invested in these characters that you’re outraged at the way the story is going.
Thank you, all.
After listening to 28, I think I feel as the Captain regarding article 37
Being invested in characters is usually a blessing. Sometimes, thankfully not very often, a curse. My final thought will be to take that investment analogy a bit further and then shut up. Investments lose value if the market they are part of takes a hit. Makes investors leery of future investment. Mark that as my sour mood. Today was a total loss because of Artcle 37.
@Nate
No, Sar. Thank you.
@Nate
I wouldn’t have believed it of myself, I am certainly caught up and invested in the characters. I read a lot, and this is as attached to characters as I have been only a _very_ few times in my life. Great Work.
Nate,
Perhaps it would help if folks knew roughly when the next episode shouuld release? You’ve created an amazing response here, but a little uptick in crew morale might be a good idea…
I agree with Sean, Nate. It would certainly ease my mind to find out what happens next. I reserve my judgement on Article 37 until I see the whole. It was certainly unexpected but I do not think is was not fore-shadowed…
Hmmm……
-Simon
Who here are GRRM fans? Not a big deal to be punched in the gut huh?
Nate next time you pull the emotional heart strings of your fans. Please wait till you have 3 pod casts and rip us to shreds in the first one and post the next two with the first to help us work through the event better.
Please do this next time.
I guess the people who are so upset with the turn Article 37 injected look for different things in a book than I do. What I really can’t fathom is how some people think that Article 37 somehow makes the story and the characters unbelievable or how Article 37 was unnecessary. How can you possibly make that determination at this point? The story isn’t over. If anything, Article 37 made the story more believable to me. Life isn’t always fair. It doesn’t always have a perfect happy ending. Now we get to see how Ish deals with the situation. Will he rise above it and fight through it or will be decide to take his millions and quit? Will he keep swinging and triumph over the evil money grubbers and continue to live his dream? Did I like the events of Article 37 – no, it made me very sad. But it did make me feel something – strongly. If an author can do that, then he’s someone I want to read/listen to. To each his own – no one’s forcing anyone to keep listening. As for me…29, 29, 29, 29 and hoping it goes past 30 somehow!
Wow, Nate. I am a bit surprised by the tone of some of the responses here and on the podiobooker forum. I took a gut blow by [article 37] as much as everyone else, but I see the turn in the story line as a compelling addition to Ishmael’s character. I think part of what makes Ish so relatable is how real to life his circumstances are, in some way or the other we all face [article 37] in some form or another. In my opinion the first three books where a little too “every thing works out for Ish” ish. I was a little surprised at the change in tone from Double Share, but ultimately came to appreciate the depth it added to the storyline. I am looking forward to seeing how you tie off the share series, given your previous work, I am sure you wont disappoint. I will be keeping an eye out for your next works, I would like to see more development of the Golden Age universe. To the naysayers may I suggest “My Little Pony” ; )
I lied. I can’t stop thinking about this so I won’t shut up just yet. I’ll probably have more to say once the last episode has aired.
People here, and on other forums where Owner’s Share is being discussed, have said we should remember this is just make believe. I take exception to that. The emotions generated by a story come from us. From things in our past, or our fears, perhaps, but they are no less valid for being brought out by fictional characters.
Just as Nate is entitled to tell the story he feels needs to be told, we are entitled to feel about it like we do. Some, like me, are pretty disillusioned and feel our trust has been abused. Many of us read or listen to stories to get away from the big bad world and all its negative events. I’ll be the first to admit I read to escape and want a happy ending. If I know there isn’t a positive conclusion, I won’t read it. Sue me.
I respect Nate for his artistic integrety, however this tale turns out, but after five books with upbeat conclusions, I’m going to be terribly disappointed if the saga closes on a tragic note. Emotionally, I’ll feel burned. Betrayed. Even if all the hints were there waiting to be seen. I don’t know that I would come back to any more of his fiction. When someone kicks you in the Article 37, you hesitate to let him do it again.
With all of you cheering him on and supporting his career, he won’t notice if I go my own way, I’m sure. I still wish him every success. I just don’t know that I can be part of it. Every Golden Age comes to an end.
If I offend someone with these strong feelings, I’m sorry. Especially, Nate. That doesn’t make me the least bit repentant about feeling this way, though.
Listening to the whole Share series has been a lot of fun for me. I just can’t see changing the whole tone of the series at the very end, as anything but a mistake. I guess [Article 37] was supposed to fix the structural problems of the story, but I think it highlights them instead. I might have been more upset, but I’m still numb from the end of Book 2 of Cowry Catchers. Which I think works, even though I hate it.
Long time lurker, first time poster.
This is in response to Terry Mixon’s last post but applies to others that are upset about this ‘almost’
ending. Nate has podcast 8 books and for me and as far as I can tell almost everyone else on this
board at least 7 are great and this last one may or may not be…we shall see. But, saying you will
not be listening to anymore of his works strikes me as a ‘zero tolerance policy’ and as such I feel
you might be over reacting a bit. Extremism in any form is not good as far as I’m concerned.
This is the only thing I will be writing about Article 37 reactions.
Thanks.
Nate,
Anyone who writes anything has to expect a certain amount of criticism, it comes as part of the package deal. And I’m sure you know this.
As for Article 37, I knew it was coming several chapters back. I just didn’t have a clue as to when or how and to what extent it would effect the story line. This is the mark of an excellent author and you have the ability to grab and hold the attention of, even, the most perceptive readers.
You are right, the Shares series is coming to a conclussion, but like Jake said, (the young boy in Steven King’s epoch Dark Tower series): “Let go then. There are other lives than this one.”
It has been a wonderful journey through space and time with Ishmael and his friends. Thank you, so much, for these stories and I look forward to the many more you will offer us hopeless, adventurous, romantics.
-Bb
Dang I’m away from a computer for a couple of days this week and all next week.
I’m starting to sound like the Dad on “A Christmas Story”.
Folks, calm down. Think about how you’re going to feel when Nate does bring this story arc to a conclusion. Give him time to tell the story, remember that he’s a skilled teller of tales, or else you wouldn’t be so incensed… and have a little faith. ‘Trust Lois,’ so to speak. There are two more episodes (that he’s promised).
But, for Nate… straight up, sir. Will there be an episode tonight? Thanks.
Oh, and to add that flip tone to things again…
29! 29! 29! 29!
In other news, Nate, can you write something, perhaps a novella or short story, regarding the year gap that occurs in Full Share (In the last episode where it skips ahead as Pip and Ish raise the money for school)? The first trilogy will always be my favorite, and any extra writing about it would be splendid :)
IT’s LIVE UP TO 30!!!!!!!!!!!!
29 & 30 are up